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Johny Hendricks

Johny Hendricks’ reign as the UFC’s welterweight champion in 2014 lasted fewer than nine months, but it undeniably proved he belongs among the division’s elite fighters.

“Bigg Rigg,” as he’s known to his legions of fans, is more than just a good ol’ boy from Ada, Okla., who makes his home in Dallas. He’s a powerful puncher, a talented wrestler and a relentless competitor who refuses to surrender.

Hendricks proved his all-around skills in two stirring five-round fights against Robbie Lawler. In the first, at UFC 171 in March 2014, the two warriors exchanged heavy shots virtually nonstop before Hendricks won the final round on the judges’ scorecards to claim the vacant welterweight belt.

At one point during the fight, UFC announcer Joe Rogan said, “One thing Johny Hendricks knows how to do, he knows how to win.”

In their rematch, at UFC 181 in December of that year, Hendricks and Lawler battled again for five rounds, although this time Lawler emerged with a split decision victory.

Hendricks could have been champion before his victory over Lawler. In a much-anticipated bout at UFC 167, he squared off against MMA icon Georges St-Pierre, who had successfully defended his title nine times. But GSP escaped with a controversial split decision, denying Hendricks the belt.

One month after their bout, St-Pierre announced he would be taking an indefinite leave, setting up a Hendricks-Lawler fight for the middleweight crown.

Hendricks rebounded from his loss to Lawler with a three-round decision over Matt Brown in March 2015, improving his record to 17-3 with eight knockouts and one submission. His eight decision wins are a testament to his refusal to yield inside the Octagon.

His powerful strikes make him a tough opponent for any fighter, but he’s also a superb wrestler, having won two national titles in high school and two Division I championships while at Oklahoma State.

Getty Images reserves the right to pursue unauthorized users of this image or clip. If you violate our intellectual property you may be liable for: actual damages, loss of income, and profits you derive from the use of this image or clip, and, where appropriate, the costs of collection and/or statutory damages up to $150,000 (USD).